Plans to host a major international summit at the Bomas of Kenya have been disrupted after lawmakers were informed that the venue will not be ready in time, forcing a change of location for the high-level meeting.
The facility, which is under renovation to upgrade it into a modern conference centre, had been selected to host the Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit set for May 11 and 12. But during an inspection visit by Members of Parliament, it became clear that construction will not be completed within the required timeline.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa confirmed the delay on Wednesday when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife during their tour of the site.
During the inspection, the committee vice chairperson, who also chaired the session, Kisauni MP Bedzimba Rashid said that, “Our inspection has established that the works will not be completed within the stipulated time frame.’’
The delay now means the summit will have to be moved to a different venue, a decision lawmakers said was unavoidable given the circumstances.
"Changing the venue for the summit from Bomas was a pragmatic decision that will ensure the multi-billion project is implemented without pressure," Khamis Chome MP, Voi said.
Even with the setback, legislators expressed confidence after assessing the ongoing work. They noted visible progress on the ground and maintained that the project remains on course to deliver a facility that can host major global events.
“The Committee is satisfied that there is value for money in the project which is aimed at transforming Bomas into a world-class facility,” Rashid said.
The delays come against the backdrop of a larger government plan to redevelop the site into the Bomas International Convention Centre, an initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s position as a preferred destination for international conferences.
Leaders also highlighted the expected benefits for surrounding communities, saying the project will open up job opportunities, especially for young people, once it is complete.
Ololtuaa described the redevelopment as a key project that will enhance the country’s capacity to host major meetings and boost tourism.
“Once complete, the BICC will position Kenya as a premier destination for high-level national and international events,” he said.
Although the missed deadline has affected immediate plans, both lawmakers and government officials maintained that completing the project properly remains the priority, with long-term gains seen as more important than meeting the deadline for a single event.
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